How to split rent with flatmates fairly

Splitting rent equally is the default, and it's the right call when the rooms are about the same size and everyone earns something similar. Most flat arguments start when one of those isn't true.

Three fair ways to split

• Equal: simplest. Works when rooms are alike. Fails when one room has the balcony and attached bath.
• By room: weight the rent by size or features (say 40/30/30). Agree the weights once, in writing, before anyone moves in.
• By income: fairest when earnings differ a lot, but it needs honesty and it can feel awkward. Use it only if everyone wants it.

Bills are different from rent

Electricity, wifi, water and the gas cylinder are usually split equally, since everyone uses them. Fixed bills are easy; variable ones need one person to post the amount each month. Pick who, and the day.

Make it boring on purpose

Write the rule down, pick one payer per bill, and settle on a fixed day each month. The point is to take feelings out of it: when the rule is the rule, nobody has to chase anyone. A shared note or a group expense list does the job; a spreadsheet works until someone forgets to open it.

If you want the maths done for you, our free bill splitter at /split takes a few names and amounts and returns the fewest payments that settle everyone.